Institut für ökologische Chemie, Pflanzenanalytik und Vorratsschutz
To protect itself from harmful organisms, the potato plant produces a large number of bioactive substances. These are mainly formed and stored where there is contact with harmful organisms, such as in the potato skin. Such skin metabolites can protect the tuber from infections even after harvesting. Since these protective properties are still largely unexplored at the metabolome level, they cannot be taken into account in breeding. It can be assumed that the composition differs considerably in the varieties approved today. In order to strengthen the natural protection of tubers, we want to make active substances from potato peels accessible in order to protect the tubers against soil-borne diseases. This application could potentially be used as a bio-based alternative to synthetic chemical plant protection products, thereby enabling massive savings and a reduction in risks for the environment, users and consumers.
Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture
